Seasonal and spatial changes of metal concentrations in groundwater outflows from porous sediments in the Gryżyna-Grabin Tunnel Valley in western Poland

• DOI: 10.1007/s12665-009-0407-8
• Publication Date: 2009-12-17T07:16:40Z
• Authors: Anna Maria Szczuc...; Marcin Siepak; Anetta Zioła-Fran...; Marek Marciniak
• Keywords: 13. Climate action; 0207 environmental engineering; 02 engineering and technology; 6. Clean water

Groundwater outflows (springs and seeps) from porous sediments on European lowlands play a significant role in the surface water balance. It is therefore important to document these outflows’ water quality and spatial and temporal changes. The present study focused on changes in iron, manganese, and heavy metals in waters of groundwater outflows in an area of low anthropogenic impact—the Gryzyna-Grabin Tunnel Valley in western Poland. Eleven outflows were studied for a period of 2 years. Most of the samples analyzed revealed low element contents and little variation in time and space. Only values of iron and lead were above World Health Organization limits for drinking water. The concentrations of these elements were also variable in time and space. The seasonal changes in iron content are probably due to natural, temperature- and pH-controlled reactions of shallow groundwater with aquifer sediments. On the other hand, the elevated lead content points to regional water contamination.